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You are a human being they told me, something you should treasure
But isn't a human being the only animal who kills for pleasure?
Man's inhumanity to man, a crime like no other
The first family on earth had brother killing brother
We are power hungry bastards from the cradle to the grave
We pillage other countries and the survivors we enslave
Politicians lie to their people saying only what they want to hear
Stripping their own of a sense of pride and instilling a state of fear
They speak of human rights and how our country has been torn
Then turn around and murder a child before he's even born
For killers and rapists and dealers the ACLU has led many fights
Then tell a six year old rape victim that she really has no civil rights
We can't teach about Jesus, our school teachers must be mum
We can teach about Hitler, Stalin and other human scum
People kill each other for no reason every day
Then a lower form of life, a lawyer saves his day
Where is justice? Nowhere in sight.
Anything is legal if the price is right
You are a human being. This is what they proudly proclaim
If I am a human being, then I should hang my head in shame.

To see ourselves as others see us --
unmasked images, through others' eyes --
half-formed caricatures, perhaps --
or mere grotesqueries --
barely recognized, telling
what we thought to hide --
we'd label these as skewed
perceptions, not real truth...
But, no matter -- when once
I thought myself unfairly judged
and asked "How so?",
I was reminded of the obvious,
i.e.: all outcomes are determined
by perceived attitudes and actions.
Not truth, but clear perception,
pure appearance, guide others' thoughts
and so create the world we live in.
Thus, however harsh,
"Perception is reality."

Obsessed with the thought of you
wondering if it's only me or
if you sometimes remember the sweet things you've said
and if you meant them how I took them
or if I'm just obsessed with what's in your head
Obsessed with your very sentences
Every response I take personal
I know it's selfishness
Have you not noticed my eyes?
They hold secrets that only you can unlock
if you'd just take time to fill the thick juices of my pride
It's just boiling with lust, passion, trust and distrust
and other things I obsess over so much
I find myself writing to free myself from this prison I've created
where only you and I reside
I become confused about what I'm really feeling inside and I
try to rid the thoughts that are highly debated as false and I
begin to cry and
think of casting love spells so that the universe can deliver this affair
I know it's unfair
but I don't care
I'm obsessed with what hasn't happened between us
I'm obsessed with your heart and that the fact that
I don't think you've even noticed my selfish innuendos
and secret undertones that blatantly express my lust
Or maybe you have and you calmly remain in resistance of distrust
If you could only read my mind by simply touching my fingertips,
I'm sure I'd catch you out the corner of my eye biting your bottom lip
I'm obsessed with the passion and thoughts I think you have
Obsessing over an experience that I may never have....

I am Reality’s angel
resting on the broad shoulders of discovery
the truth feeds darkness and engulfs its target
ideas and concepts in turn become meaningless to you
there is a creator of all things
He is just and patient
many still have fallen into the masses of shadow
wrapped in their own filthy idols of philosophy
I have seen grown men fall like rose petals
and weaklings rise into unjust leaders
forever the follower of furtive evil
dominating only to remain inferior
the most important answers lie in the unseen regions
where no sense can fully give assurance
the mind that so many unreasonably twist and turn
grows weary because of the distance it must take
and truth be told the distance is not what frustrates
it is knowing we are seeking something far
that could very possibly not exist,
that our minds can twist into theoretical, idealistic nonsense
it is knowing all we really think we know
is meaningless
and yes—even a lie
all that has been written thus far rests under my wings
under the warmth in which you refuse to feel
can you believe in me—
though I am completely unseen?
how much more difficult would it be to see
Him?

I am whatever you say I am...
but, let's get back to reality...
Three short years ago, this room shined welcome mats across a screen of doldrums.
A place of unfamiliarity that screamed,
"You don't belong!"
Yet, a voice of reason spoke and said,
"Expand yir' roots. Venture beyond the comfort zone. Academia resides inside that room, but know you won't be alone."
Repeatedly,brainwaves declined what my wife and editor had told me.
I'd say,
"no way, I'm givin' up my soul for free, they read, they pay, like it's always been, the way it's going to always be!"
Unbeknownst to me one day, and with a slight of hand, my "Open Sores" were put on display and surprisingly more than a handful of great ladies and nice guys began to give feedback on what I had devised.
This interaction was something very new, helpful, and impressive. For a change, it was something real.
For years, those around me were quick to give praise with hidden reasons. Constructive criticism is amazing, and I welcomed being corrected or set straight.
Now there are those who choose to shut me down without explanation, and call me names.
DO NOT mistake me for sophomoric! These words bleeding from my guts have no style and need no approval. There is no thinking involved here, no plan. If you don't like it, fine...don't censor or bracket me in. So what if I am illiterate? If you don't like "street poetry" or the pathetic stuff I write, don't read it. If I offend you, tell me.
We should welcome those who are different than us.
Words of truth inspire movement, like fire.
I came to this room to expand my horizons, step outside the box, learn, help, grow.
There will be no apologies dealt for being different, or for being labelled as something uncomfortable to you.
This has been an ok room so far, but there is some clique trickanery going on.
If the dictionary must come into play, let me recommend looking up the term "Poetic License."
True, I may not be the writer you prefer, or aspire to be....but tread carefully my friend, for you have no idea of my profession. I've made a fine living, for a good long time, spewing words onto paper. I came from nothing, and may still be nothing to you...still, I do what I love, have no boss.
I am not an aspiring writer who dreams of a life, I live my dream. In conclusion, I must wish you luck in finding what you peddle poetry for. Until then, keep

Extraordinary, I am
Craving for unusual thoughts
Endless exploration without boundary
Understanding the gift I shouldn't fought
Invisible drawings in my mind
Playing with the words in my head
My passion
The food of my soul
I feel so lucky
The random thoughts
A lifetime companion
A self esteem builder
A goal planner
Be my forever life saver
I write more
I talk less
I want to please
I chose to bore
What tickles me the most
Is to know what I'm for
Thinking is my love
When my mind goes empty
That's when I hate
My day dreaming lust
Organizing things in my mind
Playing roles of simulation
Where images of art is my vision
And words of attitude is my heart

This isn't just a poem
This isn't just another emotion
This is me, these are my thoughts
The Imagery is my sight,
And The Allegories are my Life
I'm lonely, There is just me
But there's so many people around
but no one can hear my loudest screams
Don't Shout nor Scream
This is all just Normal To Me
I'm torn, I'm Cut
Part of my heart stabbed,
and then taken from me
The Search for my innocence,
Is like a moa hunt
Don't Shout nor Scream
This is all just Normal To Me
Laughing and Jokes
all directed towards me
Just to Hurt me
Cover all of the Halls
"Fag, Emo, Queer"
Words I too often know
Don't Shout nor Scream
This is all just Normal To Me
Curling her hair
putting on her makeup
"You're worthless and nothing to Me"
Says the so-called all-loving-one
As she screams:
"Why am I not Pretty"
Don't Shout nor Scream
This is all just Normal To Me
This is not just a poem
not just some words
my pen cries with each words
But this is Just a Glimpse
Don't Shout nor Scream
This is all just Normal To Me

How Can We Hurt The Ones We Love?
How can we hurt the very ones that we love?
How can we easily neglect our God above?
It seems like I often heard about many victims
Many times, it’s from a loved one who’s been with them!
The hate and the anger that boils from deep within.
Often “boils over” toward our family and friends.
It’s the love of Christ that we need to find!
His love can totally cleanse our life and mind!
The hearts of many families are bruised and broken.
By the harshness of many of the words spoken.
If we would allow Jesus to rule and reign.
We’d have little reason to murmur or complain.
If we would yield our lives to the master’s will…
The emptiness and brokenness, he shall fulfill!
If we could allow ourselves to sit at Jesus’ feet…
He can make any family totally complete!
If we could just listen to what Christ has to say.
His words of life would brighten our day!
As a family… Won’t you give HIM a chance?
And allow his love to change your circumstance!
Won’t you allow his spirit to bind you together?
You can experience his peace today and forever!
He can change your family throughout!
This is his will and what God is all about!
By Jim Pemberton

The Bible Is The Inspired Word of God!
I heard someone say “the Bible was written by man.”
But there’s a truth I don’t think he understands.
God used man to simply be an “inspired instrument.”
This was more than some type of “experiment.”
God used many different people from various places.
He used them from both the Jewish and Gentile races!
Though the words spanned a long period of time…
They were written with all of us in mind!
It was as if God himself had taken the pen.
He spoke directly through different men.
All of the books are together with a common goal.
To bring the words of God to the common soul.
I would encourage to read the Bible for your direction.
Allow God’s words to daily be your inspiration!
Won’t you read from Genesis through Revelation?
You can learn about God’s gift of salvation!
The Bible speaks of God’s love and holiness too!
And speaks to the heart of how much HE LOVES YOU!
You can also learn about eternity in a heavenly mansion!
Your life can receive a blessed “abundant life expansion!”
Through the words of Christ, you’ll be blessed!
As you find in him a comfort and a haven of rest!
I invite you to read and apply God’s truth today!
And be transformed by what he really has to say!
By applying Biblical principles in how you’re living!
You’ll be blessed by the awesome words God is giving!
By Jim Pemberton

not sure how she got here
only know she needs to leave
underneath the stranger
my arm numb; asleep,
mouth a desert.
a hundred dead cigarettes dance my tongue dry
princess of night
exposed by light.
get me out of this;
another dreaded morning mess.
bed broken
along with my will.
I swore never again;
the lie is half the thrill.
~JSLambert

Hello my friend,
Hope all is well
This is your bud,
'Ol tom bell
You might wish
To read this poem
"Bad Day at the Eyedoctors"
A true tom tale
And shows what a fool I be
So check it out,
And you'll see!

I have just scratched the surface of my latent hatred
Of my blind, awe-inspiring, narcissistic, misanthropic, vehement self
In Flames draws it
As, I believe, Nightwish will
There is so much power here, my heart is stone.
But inside, oh how is it acerbic!
Corrosive, burning
It burns! I feel… the burn
It yearns to burst out
To… to kill
Do I mean that?
No, just thoughts.
Twisted, darkened thought.
Define me?
No, they do not.
The moment I turn this music off
I am out.
I am me.
But, right now, I am king.
A god, DO AS I SAY!
…and leave me be.
Desolate, forgotten.
Anything else is unsatisfactory
No… IT IS TORTURE.
So get away.
Get away!
Humans make me weak.
I acknowledge no pain,
only that which you give me
So leave!
Go, go now!
...and live.
It is all your fault,
it is all your fault!
My twisted, wretched existence
Bound by darkness,
Bound by rusted iron chains,
to this never-ending life
of pain, of misery, of anguish!
Escape? There is none.
Certainly not by your hand
You are foolish, you are human, and you are nothing.
How could you think us equals?
Don’t you see me?
Don’t you see my power?

Why must I feel like this?
After so long a time of
As they say, normalcy.
How strange it would be
Learning that all is odd.
Strange for me to deviate
I need to remediate
To learn again.
What is it I need?
Who knows for sure
How does one know
Something never tried
Now I've cried
Buckets of tears
Release my fears
To try something new
With you
But not me
For I am too stable
Or so they think
Now I live on the edge
What if I slipped off this ledge?
Skipped, walked, or even leaped?
With all my might
Into the darkness
Where all is allowed
Just to be the one
Inside myself
Begging, pleading
To be free.
To nurture the child within
From the meek and mild
To wild and full of sin
I would give it all up today
If I could change my stripes
To nurse these wounds
Draining my emotions dry.
How do I know if I like the dessert
If I don't taste it
To take that first bite is
Like drowning in the abyss
No beginning, therefore, no ending
This life I do not choose
For it chooses me

I'm a virgin.
Yet I'm a peer educator
I teach people about sex
and how to put on the condom.
sometimes the irony does bother me
There's an endless supply of condoms
in my custody daily yet I have no need for them
You should see the eager faces of the kids
grabbing them out of boxes like their gods best made gift
I can't share in their glory
all I can do is watch
I hate watching
I'm mostly a doer not a witness
So in this case I just feel out of place
out of context
Lost? Not exactly
Cause i'm not exactly a saint
I probably know more than the one's who are active
which makes the irony even more ridiculous.
But I guess it's just that need to be in with the crowd
The need to feel like I belong
Less and less virgin's hang around these parts
I'm starting to feel like i'm the only one left
like i'm waiting for nothing.
The condom box is calling out to me
The multiple flavors tempt me to taste.
Yet i'm still me. Therefore i'm lame.
Therefore i'm waiting...
For what i'm not even sure anymore.
I though it was because I was looking for the right guy
Maybe i'm just inept in this area.
LoL that's a laugh. My body knows I'd be a champ.
But it also listens to my head.
Maybe that's what's the problem.
Who knows?
All I know is that i'm drowning in a box of condoms.

From The Time After God's Creation…
From the time after God’s beautiful creation…
Between man and God…
Sin has caused a separation!
When God looked down upon all of mankind.
Fellowship with man was what he had in mind!
We were all created to bring honor to his name.
But sin has brought much wickedness and shame!
Sin has created an enormous “moral cavity.”
Mankind has reached an “immoral depravity!”
Through God’s son, a way has been made.
His life for yours, on Calvary, was paid!
Though mankind sinned, God didn’t forget us!
Jesus is here right now! He never left us!
Through Christ’ blood, our lives can be cleansed!
A new life in Christ is where victory begins!
Won’t you come to the Lord who created you?
It is no secret how much he loves you!
Won’t you come? Why there’s still time?
God has a purpose and a plan with you in mind!
His grace and love can change you throughout!
Knowing Jesus is what true life is all about!
By Jim Pemberton

God Beautifully Created Us!
God beautifully created us
with unique features.
Because of sin, we’ve become
fallen creatures.
God deigned us to have
fellowship with him!
But that was broken,
on account of SIN!
God formed us out of the
dust of the ground…
His wonderful creation
was made all around!
God had a purpose and a plan in mind.
He wanted to be a part of mankind.
This was broken because
of Adam and Eve’s fall.
But through Christ…
He’s made a way after all!
Through Christ we have access
to God’s throne.
He died for us so we can make
heaven our home!
His gift of mercy is for all to receive!
Won’t you accept him?
And believe?
By Jim Pemberton

I do believe in magic
I so believe in peace
I believe you know undoubtedly
Of beauties and of beasts
The human spirit can withstand
And rise above the shrine
Belittle all you want, my dear
I’ll be the dwarf in time
But I’ll evolve as I hold dear
These sentiments that haunt you
I’ll cherish every single tear
Because you’ve plagued me to
I’ll turn the other rosy cheek
Though undeserved it may be
I will forgive, but won’t forget
The promised growth inspired in me
Further more, I wish to say
Remind me that I’m still alive
Disturb the sleeping monsters
Please provoke me to survive
You compliment this hypocrite
Attention seeking scum
And help stick out the finger
That outranks the sorest thumb

I wish someone would explain
To me how we can spend
Billions of tax dollars
On space exploration
When we can’t even figure
Out how to erase hunger
And poverty.
Who sets our priorities anyway?
Could someone please tell me
How it is we have the research dollars
Dedicated solely to the detriment
And destruction of whole cultures
But we’ve no way of curing
AIDS, Cancer, or the common cold?
Who’s in charge here?
Can anyone give me the reason
Why society insists on medical advances
In plastic surgery while so many
Still can’t afford basic healthcare
And die because of it?
Where is our leader?
How is it that we can find Jupiter,
Study its molecular structure,
But still can’t find an answer
For alternative fuel sources?
Is everyone sleeping?
While we continue to battle
For world-wide sovereignty,
Our own people collapse.
What happened to integrity?
Is there hope
For the next seven generations?
God, I hope so.

Hey people why you listen to the people that don’t matter. You all get mad when the talk
sh&t and when they put you down. Why do you think they continue to do it? It is because
they get a reaction out of you and it drives them to get more. They feel like they have
control over you and they are your masters and its pathetic. I’m not innocent no one is.
Everyone does it either because they have had it done to them or because they feel like
they have to be noticed. I’ve realized if you just laugh and completely ignore them you will
have a better life and it will make life out to be better then what you thought it could ever
be. I know I can’t say I’m fully able to ignore everyone but it’s a process I have made a lot
of progress and I have learned I am a lot happier and feel way better when I just laugh or
walk away. If people actually stopped and didn’t say anything and laughed about it more
people would stop bullying. I know it’s very hard to believe me and it’s a process I think
everyone needs to take. Who are they to judge you? You are the only one who needs to
accept you for you. If you can’t accept what you are and what your personality is without
being embarrassed about it you can’t live with anyone else. If you stop right now and think
about all of the times you retaliated and said something back at the person that was
bothering you did it get better or did it get worse and ay what if I don’t say anything maybe I
won’t get angry and maybe they will leave me alone. If you can take the first step even
though it is the hardest one there is to take you will have a better outlook on life and
yourself and you will be happier then you could ever imagine. I don’t care who you are if
you will only make the first step the next steps are a lot easier and you will learn to live life
to the fullest and it will make you have more friends and you will have a better life style and
you will have more fun instead of always being mad and sad and depressed. If everyone in
the world would just take that one fateful step it would make all of the difference.

You don’t have to live…
Like you did before!
I can give you my love…
And so much more!
You don’t have to keep on
“bringing up the past…”
I will give you a peace and joy
that will forever last!”
The chains you once had…
No longer have to hold you down.
I will pick you up and plant you
on solid ground!
You don’t have to live the way
that you once lived…
An abundance of forgiveness and mercy
is what I freely give!
You no longer have to live a life
that is filled with fear…
I will always be your best friend.
I am always here!
You can come to me for a love
that is worth finding…
My promises are forever.
You need no reminding!
You can be a new creation.
Old things passed away.
I am that I am. And I can change
your life TODAY!
I am Jesus. Your provider.
The all-sufficient one.
My arms are wide open for you…
Won’t you come???
By Jim Pemberton
12/07/10

Nero was a cruel, unfair emperor playing
the lyre as his disguise to conceal his consuming guilt;
and he caused destruction without feeling
an ounce of pity for those he governed with distrust.
Why did he want to destroy a city so mighty and glorious,
and replace it with a Golden Palace and magnificent gardens?
It seems inconceivable, but it was confirmed by many as the Great Fire
which ravaged Rome for six horrible days...who dared to call Nero a liar?
On the rooftop, with the widest view of Rome burning underneath,
Nero played the lyre as his disguise...singing,"The destruction of Troy" with derision.
And while looking so innocent and sad, he did nothing to control it;
wasn't his madness an evident sign of that contemplated act brought to completion?
Finding the scapegoats was too easy for him, to cover up his evil deed...
he blamed the Christians and had them thrown to the beasts of the Colosseum,
but many more were crucified along the Via Appia and was Nero appeased?
No, he still continued to play the lyre as his disguise with increased delirium.

Pushed aside, location of home obscured, limited by isolation:
drifting aimlessly - subscribing to a voluntary incarceration.
Outcast by an alternative perspective, a differing sense of direction,
through a desire to develop resolutions to numerable imperfections.
Others recede into bad habits - shirking from every challenge,
placing emphasis on ignoring responsibilities; yet expecting a life that’s lavish.
So it’s hardly surprising when their dreams fall by the wayside,
having taken the easy road too often, they’re fighting against a landslide
to recuperate what was lost, or rather thrown away by being lax and care-free,
they’ve imposed upon themselves a limit, as to what they can achieve.
Armed with the powerful weapon of fore-sight, I clawed myself out of the rut,
but it’s little consolation for having to watch my friends get stuck.
Trying to avoid a patronising tone, I conceal myself into anonymity -
uninspired by foolish games, approaching every overture with timidity.
Wanting to tell them to change, to realise their mistakes,
but sometimes things are hardest to see when they stare you in the face.
It’s their life to live, and do so how they wish -
I just pray they realise: there’s more to it then “getting pissed”.

Every Everyday I feel the same old mistakes brushing up my leg and heading
striaght for my heart. Trying make me sting... stupid memories, I can't shake them away
and they just make me feel everyday regrets. I knew you were leaving, I could feel it
inside. Yet it seemed like life just kept moving on... it never let me stop for a minute
to see how you were doing and I blame myself for not saying good bye. Sometimes I cry
when I think about you... sometimes I wonder why I didn't just go see you. One more
mistake and my heart keeps on aching. I'm not ready for this but even so it kills me.
Everyday regrets about the times i'll never forget and the things I never got to say. I
know your looking down on me trying to console me but in my mind everything went wrong
and I wasn't even there... you just passed right along and I couldn't even hold your
hand. I wanted to be there... I had grown up a lot since this ever ending roller coaster
ride and just as I was getting off the dizziness still hadn't worn off. You were taking
away in the middle of the night... I wasn't even there and that makes me sad. I didn't
hear you voice... I didn't show any remorse and it hurts me deep inside that I will never
see your heart beat again or see you talk to me like you used to do. Everyday Regrets and
I keep on blaming myself in a story that just won't ever end and will continue until I
see your face again. I won't forget, I will remember... I disappointed you and that's all
I can say for now goodbye is hardly the words I ever wanted to say. But now your gone and
i'm living with everyday regrets.

A true story.
Here I was,
23 or 24...
Classed an "Executive"
NYC Dept Store Chain,
"Executive" label meant
I could work overtime
For one half of my normal salary...
But a fool sees stars
Where he should see crime
Promoted "Furniture Buyer"....
Big Ticket spot....
They seemed out to prove
Smart I was not.
Big Furniture Market,
High Point, N.C.,
Invited out to dinner,
By big shot vendor....
Oh...whoop, whoop, yea!
Of course, my stuffy boss
was there,
In the next chair
At this odd restaurant...
"The Factory" it's name,
After that night,
I was never looked at the same....
Big shot, Big City....
Big Fool....
It wasn't pretty....
The menu did start
Entrees priced more
Than my annual salary
And I'm confused
There's a boiler next to me!
So this Big City Buyer,
In his $99.00 suit
Ordered a shrimp cocktail,
Oh, what a hoot!
Lights flashing....
Like Studio 54
I had no idea
What I was in for!
Got my shrimp cocktail,
Oh, I do love my shrimp!
But the lemon wedge,
Was wrapped up
My mind now a' crimp
In this decorative yellow stuff,
All fit with a bow....
How do I open it, I wondered...
I wanted to know...
But I'm a Big Shot NYC Buyer,
Sure, I've seen it all....
How dare these dumb hicks...
Have such a gall!!
I took my fork,
I took my knike....
I started trying to open
This thing like....
It meant my very life!
I was struggling,
And sweating,
And frustrated and mad
Got some of the weirdest looks
I ever have had...
These Carolina Hicks...
Out to make a fool of me...
Slowly I realized
Everyone looking at me...
My boss's eyes swollen
In shame
How dumb his young buyer
Should be in a cornfield
And call himself "Town Crier"
Eventually I learned....
This stuff was called
"Cheese-cloth"
Ridiculous I thought...
No cheddar or swiss
Like this had I ever bought...
In silence I remained
Through the rest of my meal....
To me the biggest embarrassment
To me the biggest deal....
Big City Hot Shot Buyer...
Dumb as a farm hand.....
Put in a Manhattan restaurant...
Without but a strand....
Of what was, what wasn't
Of how, and of why...
All I wanted to do
Is to crawl under a rock
And die!
(This is true!!!)

Love notes
Wordings from the heart
That I’m trying to use
To cover this scented stationery
With my ball point scribbler, I’m proud
To match the sensual scent
Of your lovely and fiery lips
With crimson thoughts, but as I finally come
To end my writings, after so many pages
Hooked thrown into a silent bin
I begin to wonder if it’s better to recite
My love notes to you in person
For this way you would feel
Much, much better…
The bubbling rhythm
Of my heart

We can paint a picture bright,
to keep all sadness out of sight.
To hide from those held dear,
to full of joy appear.
An insecurity so deep,
afraid of others seeing us as weak.
Our emotions we attempt to hide,
but they are strong inside.
Instead our feelings we suppress,
causing endless stress.
Feelings have thoughts that manifest without doubt,
but it's not always convenient to let them out.
Use any means possible that brings you comfort and ease,
write in a diary, or go swinging from trees.
To talk of them freely takes courage and understanding,
have faith that the whole world is not into branding.